Queenslanders will be enticed to the Capricorn, Bundaberg North Burnett and Gladstone regions to experience the natural beauty of the Southern Great Barrier Reef as the second phase of the ‘Where great begins’ tourism campaign rolls out across the state’s south-east from today.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said the latest Tourism and Events Queensland campaign promoted the fact that our reef starts just four hours’ drive from Brisbane.

“The Queensland Government’s 20-year tourism plan Destination Success outlines the need to preserve and grow the value of the domestic market, remembering many Queenslanders choose to holiday within our own state,” said Minister Stuckey.

“Following the launch of the Southern Great Barrier Reef campaign last year, awareness among Queenslanders of the Southern Great Barrier Reef as a tourist destination has risen to 81 per cent, compared to 2012 when awareness ranged from 66 to 72 per cent,” said Ms Stuckey.

“Furthermore, 17 per cent of Queenslanders surveyed after the campaign was introduced in 2013 nominated the Southern Great Barrier Reef as the best place to visit awe-inspiring natural wonders, compared studies in 2012 which showed just 2 to 3 per cent nominated the individual regions.

“The campaign, featured across billboards, buses, television, in print, on radio and online, will showcase the accessible tourism experiences of the Southern Great Barrier Reef. It will also see social media influencers explore the region and share their experiences with their followers.”

Gladstone Area Promotion and Development Ltd CEO Glenn Churchill said, “This activity signals the next phase in the continued growth and popular consumer interest in the Southern Great Barrier Reef Where Great Begins campaign.”

“This campaign forms part of GAPDL’s continued commitment to promote the iconic experiences and leisure activities available in the Gladstone region, Banana Shire and wider Southern Great Barrier Reef – promoting the liveability and tourism appeal of a world-class destination right on our doorstep,” he said.

Bundaberg and North Burnett Tourism General Manager Rick Matkowski said, “Bundaberg North Burnett Tourism is excited about the potential of the next phase of the Southern Great Barrier Reef campaign to increase visitation to the region over the winter months which is a perfect time to taste all the great winter culinary delights such as strawberries, avocados and citrus across the region.”

Capricorn Enterprise CEO Mary Carroll said, “The second phase of the Where Great Begins campaign will continue to build on the success of the inaugural Southern Great Barrier Reef activity in 2013, showcasing the awe-inspiring variety of land and sea experiences this region has to offer.”